“[The US] recognises that Cyprus’ role in creating a wider alliance to take advantage of the region’s natural wealth couldbe more effective if Cyprus plays the role of a protagonist that it is currently attempting and largely succeeding in assuming,” Anastasiades told reporters after his meeting with Biden. Anastasiades made special mention of partners Israel whose own natural gas reserves and neighbouring exclusive economic zones has being bringing the two countries closer together.

A White House announcement said Biden “welcomed prospects for cooperation among countries in the Easter Mediterranean.” “The Vice President expressed appreciation for Cyprus as a strong partner in support of international efforts to promote security and stability in the region,” the statement added.

Meeting with Biden a day after addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Anastasiades said the discovery of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean created a new geostrategic role for Cyprus to play in the region. He added that Cyprus’ hydrocarbons resources could also play a role in the island’s peace talks, set to resume next month. But he repeated that natural gas belonged to the Republic, and to all Cypriots, but only in the context of a solution to the Cyprus problem. “Those who wish to exploit the wealth, let them work towards finding a solution that no one will question and which will enable everyone to benefit from these riches,” Anastasiades said. A new path must be forged consisting of new dynamics to ensure that peace talks are successful, Anastasiades said. He called on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community to take “bold measures” to restore trust.

The meeting with Biden lasted for about an hour. “It was not just friendly, but most warm,” Anastasiades told reporters. “I had the chance to develop our views and particularly our determination to start a dialogue of the essence to solve the Cyprus problem,” he added. Flanked by close associates, including the foreign minister, government spokesman and the head of his diplomatic office, Anastasiades offered everyone cake as it was birthday yesterday. Meanwhile, state broadcaster CyBC cited sources saying Biden was instructed by the US President to maintain a direct line of communication with Anastasiades.

Source: Cyprus Mail